JCF SUCCESS STORY

Finding Belonging: Noushin’s Journey of Growth in Canada

My name is Noushin, and I was part of Cohort 3 of the JCF program. I discovered OCCA about a year ago when I was desperately searching for work and feeling depressed and unproductive after working for a long time in general jobs. I believed my skills had no value here, and I felt lonely without a community. But through OCCA, I received support, friendship, and guidance that changed my life.

In this past year, I completed English 12, earned certificates in Project Management and Green Building and Retrofit, and achieved my dream of becoming a yoga instructor. I joined the Folk Fest board, helped organize cultural events, taught dance, performed in multiple festivals, ran a food booth, analyzed OCCA’s processes, and even established a small social enterprise. I am also learning Tai Chi with a wonderful group I met through OCCA.

Today, I feel confident, connected, and part of the community I live in. I have friends who care for me, and I care for them. I truly wish that every newcomer could have these opportunities and connections in their first months in Canada—it would make their journey much easier.

The quote I’d like to share is:

“Before joining OCCA, I felt lonely, discouraged, and unsure of my place in Canada. Through the JCF program, I found confidence, friendship, and a true sense of belonging. My journey changed when I realized I could grow again, learn again, and rebuild my purpose. I hope every newcomer can experience this kind of support in their early months of immigration.”

The OCCA-JCF program is funded by the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills and the RBC Foundation. It offers Canadian workplace training through the partnership of the OCCA Communities Association and Okanagan College in Central Okanagan. OCCA also connects the JCF participants with employers, providing subsidies to help them gain valuable Canadian work experience and overcome typical job search challenges encountered by immigrants.